The Detroit Lions’ 2025 season didn’t unfold the way the organization or fan base envisioned, with injuries playing a major role at two critical positions. On defense, Brian Branch’s torn Achilles dealt a significant blow to an already-thin secondary. On offense, the loss of Sam LaPorta removed one of Jared Goff’s most reliable targets and offensive rhythm-setters.
There is good news heading into 2026.
Both Branch and LaPorta are expected to return fully healthy—and when they do, they’ll be coming back with major salary increases thanks to the NFL’s Proven Performance Escalator (PPE).
According to A to Z Sports, both Lions standouts qualified for the highest level of the escalator, setting up substantial raises in their 2026 salaries.
And they earned every dollar.
What Is the NFL Proven Performance Escalator?
The Proven Performance Escalator is a contract mechanism built into rookie deals for non–first-round draft picks. Its purpose is to reward players who significantly outperform expectations early in their careers.
The PPE includes three tiers, each tied to playing time and accolades during a player’s first three NFL seasons:
Level 1: Player logs at least 60% of snaps in two of their first three seasons (for second-round picks)
Level 2: Player logs at least 55% of snaps in all three seasons
Level 3: Player makes the Pro Bowl on the original ballot within their first three seasons
Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch didn’t just meet the criteria.
They qualified for Level 3, the highest possible tier.
Brian Branch and Sam LaPorta Earn Level 3 Escalators
By earning Level 3 escalators, both players will see their 2026 base salaries jump to the projected value of a second-round restricted free-agent tender, in addition to their original base pay.
That tender number for 2026 is currently projected at $5,658,000.
Projected 2026 Salaries for Lions Standouts
Here’s how the Proven Performance Escalator impacts each player’s contract:
Brian Branch
Original 2026 Base Salary: $1,743,872
PPE Increase: +$5,658,000
Projected New Base Salary: $7,401,872
Sam LaPorta
Original 2026 Base Salary: $1,948,819
PPE Increase: +$5,658,000
Projected New Base Salary: $7,606,819
Two young stars.
Two massive raises.
Two more examples of Brad Holmes’ draft strategy paying off.
Why These Salary Increases Matter for the Detroit Lions
Yes, these escalators tighten the Lions’ salary cap picture heading into 2026.
But this is the right kind of problem to have.
It means:
Detroit drafted elite talent outside the first round
Those players became immediate cornerstones
Their impact was recognized league-wide, not just internally
LaPorta quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s top tight ends, while Branch proved to be a defensive tone-setter with versatility, instincts, and toughness.
Paying homegrown stars isn’t a setback—it’s proof the rebuild is working.
The Bottom Line
The Detroit Lions didn’t get the results they hoped for in 2025, but the future remains bright.
Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch are foundational pieces of this roster, and both earning Level 3 Proven Performance Escalators speaks volumes about their impact, development, and importance to the franchise.
When they return healthy in 2026, Detroit won’t just be getting two key players back.
They’ll be getting back two heartbeat leaders—now paid like it.
